NBC has announced they'll be airing 2 all-new half-hour holiday specials based off of "Monsters vs. Aliens" and "Madagascar".  Many of the original characters will return for both films along with the original voice talents.  "Monster vs. Aliens" will have the Halloween special with "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space", while "Madagascar" will get the Christmas special with ""Merry Madagascar".  To find out when both specials will air and what they will be about, continue reading after the jump.

The first special to air will be "Monsters vs. Aliens: Mutant Pumpkins from Outer Space" on Wednesday, October 28th at 8 p.m. ET.  Reese Witherspoon, Seth Rogen, Hugh Laurie, Will Arnett, Kiefer Sutherland and Rainn Wilson will be returning to voice their characters from the original film.  Here is the plot synopsis from the press release:

"The story continues after the events of "Monsters vs. Aliens," as Susan Murphy (Witherspoon) and the Monsters now work with the U.S. government as special operatives.When an alien presence is detected in Susan's hometown of Modesto, California -- right before Halloween -- the team is dispatched to investigate.  Everything appears normal, right down to the jack-o-lanterns peering out from every doorstep and windowsill.  But when Halloween arrives, those innocent-looking carved pumpkins are revealed for what they really are -- mutant aliens.  The altered pumpkins then start to implement their fiendish plan to take over Earth.  The Monsters are there to combat the mutant gourds and try to smash their wicked scheme."

The second special, "Merry Madagascar", will air just when Christmas season is about to go into full swing on Tuesday, November 17 at 8 p.m. ET.  Ben Stiller, Chris Rock, David Schwimmer, Jada Pinkett Smith, Cedric The Entertainer, Andy Richter, Carl Reiner will be returning to voice their characters too.  Here is the plot synopsis from the press release:

"The brand new holiday adventure stars everyone's favorite Central Park "zoosters" from "Madagascar" and "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa." "Merry Madagascar" begins when Santa and his sleigh unexpectedly crash-land on the island, giving the jolly gentleman a case of amnesia.  So it falls to Alex, Marty, Melman and Gloria -- along with the ever-inventive Penguins -- to deliver the presents and save Christmas.  And it doesn't hurt that Santa's Sleigh just might be able to make a little trip to New York City, so they can finally return to their beloved home. But during their appointed rounds, the four re-discover the magic of giving -- and that it is ultimately more important than their own wish to return home.  Also included is a long-lasting North Pole/South Pole rivalry between the Penguins and Santa's reindeer, plus magic flying dust and a King Julien-based holiday called "Julienuary." "

I don't really have anything to add to this.  I'm sure kids who already love both films will get a kick out of watching both specials and if it helps them get into the holiday spirit, then I'm all for it.